Can somebody who has one of these installed tell me if they make a sound similar to the Jake Brakes on semis? From what I understand, they don't both work exactly the same way, so I'm just curious. Thanks.

 

This is an Exaust brake not a true JAKE brake<br>They work great but it's a different sound<br>It has more of a hiss to it<br><br><br> : Eddie : 8)

 

Not nearly as loud but somewhat similar.

 

Most of your semi's would have engine retarders, commonly refered to as &quot;Jake Brakes,&quot; and the only ones that really sound cool are the semi's that are running with straight pipes. They really don't sound like much on a semi with mufflers. The principal function of a retarder is (for lack of better terms) to float the exhaust valve at the top of the compression stroke, thus robbing the power stroke while making use of the compression stroke to slow the vehicle. The valve float causes the rapid fire popping sound, the lack of a muffler provides the loud diesel rumble. These types of brakes are rarely seen on engines with displacement of less than 10L and are never seen on engines with hydraulic valves. The exhaust brake you refer to is also made by Jacobs Vehicle Systems, hence some confusion because this is the same company that commonly provides retarders. This brake is nothing more than a controlled obstruction in the exhaust system. To my ear all it does is hiss, and sounds very different than the sound a retarder makes. Certainly an effective addition to your brakes, but without the big rig sound that a straight pipe semi with a retarder makes.<br><br>I had 2nd Gen 3/4 ton trucks (two '95's and one '96) that I couldn't put brakes on fast enough. They ran with service bodies at or near GVRW in Southern California stop and go traffic. Pad replacements averaged 9,000 miles before exhaust brake installs, and 20,000 miles after. They do work. My '97 and up trucks did not eat brakes as fast for some reason.<br><br>Cheers

 

Hello<br> I have the brake you are talking about on my truck. I use it all the time whether I am pulling a trailer or not. I agree with the above post that it dose not sound like a Jake Brake on a semi. The brake is an exhaust brake and it restrists the exhaust flow through the use of a disc. (it looks like a choke on a gas engine) except it is on the exhaust. <br> When pulling the 5er or GN you can really feel the difference. When coming down Black Mountain N.C. pulling about 12,000 lbs, I did not have to use my brakes other than to let folks behind me know I was slowing down.<br>Hope this helps<br>See Ya<br>Chris

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys. I knew the two worked differently, but I was hoping for a bit of that Jake Brake sound... <br><br>Still sounds like a pretty good addition, though, once I finally get something to pull that's heavy enough to justify one.

 

Just think of the exhaust brake as the old &quot;stuff the potato in the tail pipe trick&quot;. That is basicaly how it works. Had mine for going on four years now and love it. My front brakes are like new at 109000 miles and I pull up to 26000 pounds. A definate worth while investment.

 

Nevada...<br><br>Thanks for that ~excellent~ explanation of the retarding brake vs the exhaust brake. It answered all my questions too.

 

Just wondering but, how much are they asking for the Mopar/ Jake brake over the counter??? Is it as big a rip-off as everything else is at the *******? <br><br>Thanks,

 

My brake has 5000 miles on it now and I love it. The sound is completely different than a jake brake, like a hissing sound. I paid 600 from the dodge dealer and i think they sell it for 675 in Alaska. Be careful on slippery roads with the jake.